Marcus Mariota is working hard on his mechanics during the spring to improve his overall game in 2018.

The Tennessee Titans quarterback was expected to continue his rise toward becoming an elite quarterback in 2017, but inconsistent accuracy and questionable decision-making resulted in a regression.

New offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur and quarterbacks coach Pat O'Hara has Mariota focusing on his footwork during offseason workouts and OTAs. LeFleur and O'Hara want the fourth-year player to widen his stance while throwing the football.

"If I'm able to accomplish, really, that goal of mine, to stay in a good solid base throughout, I think I can make a lot of the throws that are asked of me in this offense," Mariota told reporters Friday. "As I continue to be out here, I've just got to continue to be mindful of it and find ways to just self-correct and just get better."

Mariota threw a career-low 13 touchdown passes and a career-high 15 interceptions in 2017. The interceptions represented one of the more surprising statistics for Mariota, who threw a combined 19 interceptions during his first two seasons.

The decrease in touchdown passes and increase in interceptions resulted in Mariota's quarterback rating dropping to 79.3 in 2017. His rating average was 93.5 through his first two seasons.

"I think the ball comes out a little faster (in a wider stance)," Mariota told reporters. "If I'm in a good solid base [to begin with], I can throw at any point in time and make the throws on time."

New head coach Mike Vrabel has installed an offense that will focus on Mariota's strengths as a passer and runner, but he wants Mariota to continue to improve as a pocket passer. Mariota's development as a passer will reduce the chance of injury - Mariota has not played a full season in his career.

Another factor that could help Mariota is he seems to be 100 percent healthy going into the offseason programs. Mariota hasn't been wearing the knee brace on his left knee during the workouts. He had worn the brace on the knee since suffering a sprained MCL during his rookie season.

Mariota said he feels lighter without the brace and seems to be finding an extra gear while running during workouts.